In spring, one plant dominates almost every spring meadow: the yellow flowers of buttercups, which are also called buttercups in some regions. The most common is the hot buttercup, although there are countless varieties of this species. For gardeners, the buttercup is a weed because it doesn't just spread in the lawn.
What are the characteristics of the buttercup?
The buttercup (Ranunculus) is a perennial plant that includes over 600 species and is known for its yellow, shiny flowers. It prefers to grow in moist meadows and is poisonous in all parts of the plant.
Ranunculus – A profile
- Botanical name: Ranunculus
- popular names: Buttercup
- Species: over 600 species
- Family: Buttercup family
- Origin: native plant
- Occurrence: worldwide except Antarctica
- Location: wet meadows, compacted areas
- Annual/Perennial: perennial
- Propagation: seeds, root runners
- Height: 30 to 60 centimeters
- Flower color: yellow, shiny
- Flower structure: radiant, 15 – 25 mm wide, 5 petals, many-flowered
- Flowering period: June to September
- Leaves: green, smooth, notched, serrated or sawn depending on the variety
- Fruits: follicles or nuts
- Poisonousness: yes, in all parts of the plant
Where does the buttercup get its name?
The name buttercup refers to the leaves that look similar to the feet of birds. It is called buttercup because of the yellow petals, which are the color of fresh butter.
The botanical name Ranunculus comes from Latin and means little frog. It is probably due to the preferred location of most buttercup species, namely moist locations - exactly where frogs live.
Species commonly found in Germany
- Spicy buttercup
- Burning Buttercup
- Bulb buttercup
- Poison Buttercup
The hot buttercup is particularly common. It is characterized by small flowers. It can be found in wet meadows and on the edges of ponds.
Gardeners considered buttercup to be a weed because the plant spreads widely via seeds and runners. It is difficult to remove from the garden and especially from lawns. Buttercup is only valued in garden ponds because of its pretty yellow flowers.
Rooster clover is only grown as a cultivated plant in the garden bed. These varieties are characterized by large flowers and not quite as strong growth.
Tip
Ranunculus was originally one of the medicinal plants. Due to the toxic protoanemonin it contains, the plant is indigestible and is therefore only used in homeopathy. The plant sap is toxic upon contact and can cause buttercup dermatitis.